In an unexpected turn of events, a modder and YouTuber, DeCrAzYo, has pushed the boundaries of retro gaming by successfully installing a Linux-like operating system on an NES console.Despite the NES’s hardware limitations, DeCrAzYo’s endeavor aimed to run Linux directly on the NES processor. However, due to the processor’s constraints, he pivoted to a UNIX-like operating system called Little UNIX, originally designed for the Commodore 64.
Encountering another hurdle—NES lacking a keyboard and RAM—he ingeniously turned to the Japanese Famicom, which features keyboard and floppy disk peripherals. By adapting Linux to run on the Famicom Disk System, DeCrAzYo demonstrated a significant breakthrough.Despite challenges like slow disk access speed and a lack of keyboard interface, DeCrAzYo’s experimentation yielded promising results. He successfully loaded the experimental UNIX version onto an Everdrive cartridge and initiated it on original NES hardware, although navigation beyond the boot screen proved difficult without a keyboard.
DeCrAzYo’s achievement showcases the ingenuity of modding communities and the potential for repurposing outdated hardware. This project not only explores the versatility of retro consoles but also underscores the evolving landscape of open-source software integration.
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